Potatoes and Your Health

The University of Illinois has concluded that potatoes provide almost every nutrient that the body needs to maintain proper and healthy functioning, and potatoes are naturally low in calories unless individuals add toppings such as butter or sour cream.

General Information About Potatoes

The potato is one of four of the largest crop products in the world; followed by maize, wheat, and rice. Potatoes originate in Peru, dating back over ten thousand years ago but 99 percent of all potatoes grown today are decedents of the species of potato grown in south-central Chile. In the first decade of the 21st century it is said that upon average, an individual consumes nearly 73 pounds of potatoes a year.

Where are Potatoes Grown?

China is the largest producer of potatoes in the world today; one third of all potatoes are cultivated and harvested in China, followed by India. Potatoes are more generally grown in mass production in counties that are less wealthy than other countries but it is not certain as to why this has become the trend.  The potato is an essential food source in Europe; more so in central and eastern Europe and when compared to population, remains very high in the cultivation of potatoes.

How to grow Potatoes

Harvested potatoes sprout what are called “eyes”; potatoes are usually grown using a piece of the potato that has spouted several eyes. Individuals who decide to plant a home garden will cut off a piece of potato that has sprouted the eyes and plant them in hills or mounds to grow additional potatoes.

The soil that is ideal to grow potatoes needs to be free from weeds, rocks, and should maintain good moisture levels. The planting of potatoes can be done as early as a couple of weeks prior to the last frost; potatoes don’t fare well in frost conditions, however it takes up to two weeks for the potato to root and sprout after they are planted. The harvesting of potatoes should be before a heavy frost as the frost will cause damage to the potatoes still in the ground and make them bruise easily and cause rotting to occur. Commercially grown potatoes can be stored for nearly six months before they need to be eaten; potatoes bought and stored in homes usually only last for a few weeks.

Nutrients and Health Benefits Found in Potatoes

Nutrients Found in Potatoes

The potato is high in carbohydrates which are a form of fiber that is significantly essential for a healthy digestive system by providing bulk and protection against some types of colon cancer. Carbohydrates are also a high source of energy for the body to store and use as needed, and eating a carb rich meal will quickly fill you up. It is also noted that carbohydrates improve the tolerance of glucose and the sensitivity of insulin which makes potatoes a good food for diabetics to eat.  
 

Potatoes are also high in Vitamin C which is essential for building a healthy immune system and to help fight off infections. Vitamin C helps to repair damaged cells from free radicals and help decrease or help prevent many types of cancers in the body.  

The highest amount of protein found in potatoes is just below the skin and can be seen, after cooking, as a yellow film like substance.  

Potatoes are low in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat and a good natural source of potassium and magnesium.

Healthy ways to Prepare Potatoes

To receive the maximum amount of protein and vitamins from potatoes it is best to cook them with the skin intact as peeling the potatoes prior to cooking removes a great portion of the protein found in potatoes. Jacket potatoes are one example of a healthy and tasty way to prepare potatoes with the skins still intact.

Potatoes are a most versatile vegetable and can be prepared many different ways however, the healthiest ways to prepare and consume potatoes is boiling or baking them with the skin on and limiting the toppings in which you add to the potato after it is cooked. You can also prepare boiled, mashed, scalloped, fried, or steamed potatoes, and cold cooked potatoes and potato salad are excellent as well.
 

Health Benefits of Potatoes

Adding baked or boiled potatoes to your diet is beneficial to your health in many ways.  The carbohydrates act as an energy source as well as give your body the fiber it needs to maintain a healthy digestive system.  The potato is rich in Vitamin C which helps to build a strong immune system and fight off impending infections, will help prevent cancer, and helps to repair damaged cells within the body.  

The potato has long been a main food source for many cultures; some existing completely upon potatoes and milk alone.  The potato is rich in many essential vitamins and can be prepared a variety of ways to satisfy your taste.  The University of Illinois concluded that potatoes provide almost every nutrient that the body needs to maintain proper and healthy functioning of the systems within the body and potatoes are naturally low in calories unless individuals add toppings such as butter or sour cream.